German Christmas service set Dec. 16

On Dec. 16, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7th and Church Street, Honesdale, will be having a German Chirstmas service starting at 6 p.m.

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Wayne Independent - Honesdale, PA

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Posted Dec. 7, 2012 at 4:30 PM

Posted Dec. 7, 2012 at 4:30 PM

HONESDALE

— On Dec. 16, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7th and Church Street, Honesdale, will be having a German Chirstmas service starting at 6 p.m.

Pastor Kenneth Buckwalter says the readings and hymns will be read in German. He added that because a lot of people don't know the language, a lot of the service will be in English.

The choir will sing German songs and members of the community will participate.

“The service will be closed out with candlelight,” says Buckwalter.

He adds that Silent Night, or Stille Nacht in German, will be sung at the end.

“We used to always have a German worship service,” says Buckwalter. “The last was in 1928. About 25 years ago a pastor of German heritage brought up the idea to the congregation about keeping the history and the congregation agreed. Now this Christmas service is one of the most popular and remembered.”

After the service, everyone is invited downstairs for a cookie reception, most of which will be various German cookies.

The service is open to anyone and the church is fully handicapped accessible.